IMRA season 2011

Krusty_Clown

nerraw1111 wrote: »

Interesting post T Runner.

Really impressed with the Winter league, was a great success from my perspective.

Only did the minimum three races to score so missed out on 2. Favourite race of the league was Aanagh Hill, superb course. Trooperstown was also a lot of fun. I'm lucky in that most courses are completely new to me.

Looking forward to the Wicklow trail and will probably do a couple of the Spring League.

Presume road runners will be the best for Wicklow Trail? Or is there any tricky descents where trail shoes might be worth wearing?

Running along the side of Djouce and descending off of Djouce are the only two areas I remember, where you would be at a disadvantage in running shoes. Certainly if you wear trail shoes, then the last mile or two on the road back to Foxes can be quite painful. I was actually considering bringing trail shoes and running shoes for the ultra. In an event that will take me close to five hours, a minute or two to change shoes might come as a welcome relief.

donothoponpop

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Running along the side of Djouce and descending off of Djouce are the only two areas I remember, where you would be at a disadvantage in running shoes. Certainly if you wear trail shoes, then the last mile or two on the road back to Foxes can be quite painful. I was actually considering bringing trail shoes and running shoes for the ultra. In an event that will take me close to five hours, a minute or two to change shoes might come as a welcome relief.

Bear in mind though you won't be traveling at much speed in the Ultra, so lightening fast grip will be less of an issue. Plus, it's nice and grassy around and off Djouce if you do slip. The extra cushioning of road shoes will be my choice.

*edit* although an extra pair of dry shoes over the final third could well be a useful luxury...

T runner

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Running along the side of Djouce and descending off of Djouce are the only two areas I remember, where you would be at a disadvantage in running shoes. Certainly if you wear trail shoes, then the last mile or two on the road back to Foxes can be quite painful. I was actually considering bringing trail shoes and running shoes for the ultra. In an event that will take me close to five hours, a minute or two to change shoes might come as a welcome relief.

The top of the climb to Prince Williams seat might be a good point for the changeover in both directions.

Grips just before the descent through the woods on the way out and youll get a breather here after the climb on the way back too. Depends on the time it takes and the weather, as you say. The wetter it is, the more valuable the grips become.

Someone (PN i think) told me that there was a rough race in the North requiring the grip of Walshes off road/with a long stretch of road at the end.

Most of teh runners had a change of shoes at the start of the road i believe.


I have this dilemma every year in the warriors run:

The descent is on steep grass. with loads of road.

The closest i came to a solution was the Nike zoom Trail (formerly terra tupus). Super grip, under 250 grams, loads of cushioning and almost felt like a fast road shoe on the tarmac. Not made any more unfortunately.


This year a shoe company across the water are going to stick mountain running grips on a pair of (stable) racing flats for me.

ocnoc

There be a race called the Isle of Jura in Scotland. Bit of an epic... last 5k on on road, people generally change the shoes for that one.

To cause a wee bit of a stir..

Predictions for the Wicklow Trail?
Can the Reigning Irish Champion be touched?

Can the record be broken?
Is Bazmans 1:32hr a bit soft for a trail run? :P

T runner

ocnoc wrote: »

There be a race called the Isle of Jura in Scotland. Bit of an epic... last 5k on on road, people generally change the shoes for that one.

To cause a wee bit of a stir..

Predictions for the Wicklow Trail?
Can the Reigning Irish Champion be touched?

Can the record be broken?
Is Bazmans 1:32hr a bit soft for a trail run? :P

Bazmans 1:32 is very safe against all-comers as long as the course remains in its longer format.

Peterx

If we're causing a stir then the trail race could revert to the original format, it has nothing to gain from an extra 3km of fireroad climb.

The start time could be tweaked so the marshall has plenty of time to get around to Ballinastoe for the 50km UMTB points chasers as well.

Krusty_Clown

Peterx wrote: »

If we're causing a stir then the trail race could revert to the original format, it has nothing to gain from an extra 3km of fireroad climb.

It does mean that the ever-growing numbers of runners participating in this race are spread out a little by the time they make it to the railway sleepers. Given that there is two-way traffic on the sleepers (Ultra runners/general public/walkers/hikers) having the runners spread out does help with congestion and keeps more runners off the badly damaged original trail.

Antigrav

Peterx wrote: »

If we're causing a stir then the trail race could revert to the original format, it has nothing to gain from an extra 3km of fireroad climb.

I kinda like watching the leading ultras turn before the start of the Trail, but I agree to the painful start.

How about making a mountain race of it? Up the summits of Djouce, Maulin and/or Prince Willies would add the 3km

ThisRegard

T runner wrote: »

The top of the climb to Prince Williams seat might be a good point for the changeover in both directions.

Mud, Sweat and Tears recently reviewed a new Salomon which seems to be a solution for the dilemma at hand,

http://www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk/2011/03/02/shoe-review-salomon-xr-crossmax/

But it's still debatable if it's possible for a shoe to be as good doing two things and two separate specialist shoes.

Slogger Jogger

Anyone interested in the trail better secure their seat. Last bus selling out quick.

ocnoc

Are the entries mainly IMRA regulars or are there a lot of first timers looking for a half marathon challenge?

Rinker

ThisRegard wrote: »

Mud, Sweat and Tears recently reviewed a new Salomon which seems to be a solution for the dilemma at hand,

http://www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk/2011/03/02/shoe-review-salomon-xr-crossmax/

But it's still debatable if it's possible for a shoe to be as good doing two things and two separate specialist shoes.

I've just bought a pair particularly with this dilemna in mind. I love them. They're just like a road shoe and grip very well too. I'm not sure they'd be too good on the likes of Annagh hill tho but should be perfect for the Wicklow Trail.

ThisRegard

You got those exact ones ? Support or neutral ? I have a pair of XT Wings 2 which I initially found great but after anything near 10k they just rub the arch of my feet and I get blisters every time.

I now wear Innov8 Roclite 295s which I find excellent and very comfortable. I was planning on wearing them for the Trail over the Salomons, according the Innov8 website they're pretty much suitable for all terrain bar of course tarmac. I'm trying to move away from over supportive shoes into something more neutral, being flat footed and an over pronator most support shoes I have wear down my arch eventually.

Peterx

Road shoes for the WW trail race. The only slippy bit is a grassy descent from Djouce, the rest is quicker and more comfortable in a road shoe.
I wore Asics speedstars the last time I ran it and if I was doing it this year would be wearing DS trainers.

ThisRegard

Cheers Peter, road shoes it is so.

Rinker

ThisRegard wrote: »

You got those exact ones ? Support or neutral ? I have a pair of XT Wings 2 which I initially found great but after anything near 10k they just rub the arch of my feet and I get blisters every time.

I now wear Innov8 Roclite 295s which I find excellent and very comfortable. I was planning on wearing them for the Trail over the Salomons, according the Innov8 website they're pretty much suitable for all terrain bar of course tarmac. I'm trying to move away from over supportive shoes into something more neutral, being flat footed and an over pronator most support shoes I have wear down my arch eventually.

yep, those exact ones-got them in rock and snow. I got them in neutral and they are perfectly comfortable even on tarmac. Ditto to being flat footed and an over pronator.
I'm not sure I buy into the whole gait analysis offered by so many shops now. I'm sceptical whether supportive shoes can correct any problem and also just find them uncomfortable. (Disclaimer: I have absolutely no expertise in this field apart from personal experience).;)

ThisRegard

Cheers Rinker. I think it's time to get myself reassessed as as I said currently one of my comfyer shoes have little support in comparison to others. Now if I can justify another pair is a different matter.

Slogger Jogger

ocnoc wrote: »

Are the entries mainly IMRA regulars or are there a lot of first timers looking for a half marathon challenge?

A mix of both really. Some speedsters added this evening, but some of the bookings are not totally confirmed. I won't list names until I get confirmations. No sign of yourself or Diarmaid back to defend his 2010 honours.

ocnoc

Slogger Jogger wrote: »

No sign of yourself or Diarmaid back to defend his 2010 honours.

College Champs. Diarmaid got the better of me as I got a taste of gravel.
There is only one thing on my mind. and it should be pretty dam obvious.

Them a fight'n words

Slogger Jogger

@cnoc. Good luck with that. The event clash is a pity. A runner should be entitled to try run and win a race they've done before without having to decide between the 2 :rolleyes: I've questioned the logistical sanity of it too as its hard enough to get enough volunteers for one event without having 2 simultaneously etc etc. :rolleyes:

detlef

Hi

I was wondering is there a downloadable google calander or iCal of the IMRA season schedule. Would be really handy.

Thanks

Andrew

Krusty_Clown

detlef wrote: »

Hi

I was wondering is there a downloadable google calander or iCal of the IMRA season schedule. Would be really handy.

Thanks

Andrew

I posted a google calendar somewhere in this thread. So search the thread for krusty_clown posts. It was created on the date I posted it, so any changes to dates since would not be represented.

Peterx

I see on da IMRA forum Mick is advocating a recce for Tonleegee and da Lake.

I'm kinda conflicted on Recces, I'm all about them for trial races but for da usual weekend warrior bogtrots I like to show and go.


Admittedly I have already done most of the routes already but the circuit of Avonbeg and Tonleegee and the new Carantoohill were fun last year not knowing exactly what lines I wanted. Looking at the maps beforehand never quite gives the truth of the pure bogginess of some of the Irish ground!

donothoponpop

Peterx wrote: »

I see on da IMRA forum Mick is advocating a recce for Tonleegee and da Lake.

I'm kinda conflicted on Recces, I'm all about them for trial races but for da usual weekend warrior bogtrots I like to show and go.


Admittedly I have already done most of the routes already but the circuit of Avonbeg and Tonleegee and the new Carantoohill were fun last year not knowing exactly what lines I wanted. Looking at the maps beforehand never quite gives the truth of the pure bogginess of some of the Irish ground!

In fairness it would be hard to deviate too far on this course. Although I did a recce of Tone a couple of weeks back, in thick cloud, and promptly went astray... I justified the recce by telling myself I had gained some local knowledge of best racing line, but sure that could all change on the day...

In truth, I think I just wanted an excuse to plant my face deep into the squishy bog running down fast. And a great safe downhill for falling at speed, it is. Very wet and boggy course, safe to say don't wear your brand new white road shoes.

ElectraX

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I posted a google calendar somewhere in this thread. So search the thread for krusty_clown posts. It was created on the date I posted it, so any changes to dates since would not be represented.

Thanks for this- handy to have! Was thinking it would be great to have all the events in my google calendar, but didn't have a clue how to do it:D

Krusty_Clown

ElectraX wrote: »

Thanks for this- handy to have! Was thinking it would be great to have all the events in my google calendar, but didn't have a clue how to do it:D

No bother! Just watch the IMRA calendar for date changes!

ocnoc

donothoponpop wrote: »

some local knowledge of best racing line

If in doubt, put the compass down and go for it.
Pray for sheep tracks, until that happens. B*lls out to the top generally works a treat

Slogger Jogger

Then again a recce could make the difference of those vital seconds between you and glory
@ Cnoc, hope you can make this race this year.

Peterx wrote: »

I see on da IMRA forum Mick is advocating a recce for Tonleegee and da Lake.

I'm kinda conflicted on Recces, I'm all about them for trial races but for da usual weekend warrior bogtrots I like to show and go.


Admittedly I have already done most of the routes already but the circuit of Avonbeg and Tonleegee and the new Carantoohill were fun last year not knowing exactly what lines I wanted. Looking at the maps beforehand never quite gives the truth of the pure bogginess of some of the Irish ground!

donothoponpop

So... ran the WW from JFox's to Djouce today... in road shoes. Slipping all over the shop, especially on any grassy sections. Lots of mud as well. My knees are sore now from the constant slipping, and I'm liking more Krusty's idea of bringing two shoes- or heading to the shops soon for a hybrid.
Has anyone ever run wearing a road shoe on one foot, a trail shoe on the other?:D

*Edit- actually I'll probably wear my Salomon SpeedCross 2 shoes, think they'll be a decent compromise given the wet conditions.*

Slogger Jogger

I agree Speedcross 2's are a good compromise alright for this race. Can't say whether they'd give you the support you need for the longer race though.

@Enduro - whats your footwear preference when it comes to the WW ultra?